Chemical compositions and nutritional value of Asian hard clam (Meretrix lusoria) from the coast of Andaman Sea

Chemical compositions and nutritive value of the edible portions including foot, mantle and viscera of Asian hard clam (Meretrix lusoria) harvested from the coast of Andaman Sea were determined. Proximate compositions varied with portions tested. Edible portions had moisture (76.23-84.22%) and protein (9.09-12.75%) as the major components. Carbohydrate (0.32-7.89%), fat (1.58-6.58%) and ash (1.23-2.58%) were also found at various levels, dependent upon portions. Myofibrillar proteins were observed as the major fraction in foot (40.54%) and mantle (31.65%), whilst non-protein nitrogen constituents were dominant in the viscera (36.85%). All portions contained a large amount of essential amino acids (167.66-187.63 mg/g sample), in which leucine (30.91-36.96 mg/g sample) and lysine (35.24-36.03 mg/g sample) were predominant. They were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (46.84-49.18% of total fatty acid) with high level of DHA (13.33-16.47 % of total fatty acids) and EPA (4.75-7.11% of total fatty acids). Cholesterol of 0.07-0.21% wet weight was detected. All portions were also rich in macro- (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and micro- (Fe, Zn, Cu and Cr) minerals. Therefore, Asian hard clam is an excellent source of several nutrients, which could be beneficial for the health of the consumers.